Many campgrounds still covered in snow for Memorial Day

Many Eldorado National Forest campgrounds remain snow covered and will not be open for Memorial Weekend, according to Forest Service officials.

The following facilities will be open, however: Ice House and Strawberry campgrounds and the boat ramp on Ice House Reservoir; Sunset, Wench, Yellow Jacket, Wolf Creek, and West Point campgrounds and the boat ramps on Union Valley Reservoir; Stumpy Meadows and Black Oak campgrounds and the boat ramp on Stumpy Meadows Reservoir; Middle Meadows group campground and Hell Hole campground, but without water; Sand Flat, Lovers Leap, and China Flat campgrounds, the Bridal Veil picnic area, and the parking lot at Twin Bridges/ Pyramid Creek trailhead off the Highway 50 corridor; and Pipi Campground off Highway 88.

"Forest roads and trails may also have wet conditions and the high elevation routes of the National Forest are still covered with snow and will not be passable until the snow melts; including Mormon Emigrant Trail," says Duane Nelson, Acting Forest Supervisor. "Although the seasonal road and trail closure has been lifted, many routes may still be muddy and should not be drive on. Persons damaging roadbeds may receive citations. "

Visitors planning to camp outside of developed campgrounds must park their vehicle on the side of a designated road or within a reasonable distance of the route so as not to block the roadway, create a safety hazard, or damage vegetation. Visitors can also obtain a free map of the designated roads and trails for vehicle travel at all Eldorado National Forest offices.

2010 campfire permits are required in order to use wood, charcoal, or gas fires on national forest land outside of designated, developed campgrounds. Campfire permits can be obtained free-of-charge at any U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry, or Bureau of Land Management office.

Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight camping in both Desolation and Mokelumne Wilderness areas.

The wilderness areas and trails still have a large amount of snow and the streams are running at high volume, due to the snow melt. The Forest Service recommends that visitors do not attempt to cross swollen streams and that they use caution when traveling along the stream banks.

Visitors can obtain information and permits at Forest Service offices located in Camino (exit 54), Pollock Pines, Georgetown, and Pioneer. The Pacific Ranger Station, four miles east of Pollock Pines, is the only Eldorado National Forest office that issues Desolation Wilderness overnight permits. On Memorial weekend, information and fire permits will also be available at the Crystal and Cleveland Corral information stations located on Ice House road.

For additional recreation information on campground and road conditions visit the Eldorado National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado